Engineering Apprentice (Dual Skilled) Review

My job title is a Dual Skilled (Electro-Mechanical) Engineering Apprentice. I am involved in shadowing my mentor and attending breakdowns on plant where I can gain hands-on experience. I’m also involved in the programming of new factory projects learning how to read and write industrial standard PLC coding. I get both an engineering and competitive market perspective on how Nestlé is performing and how my role affects this.

New skills that I have learnt include electrical/electronic testing and installation. Also mechanical fault finding, repair and replacement. It's my responsibility to ensure I get the most from my apprenticeship by learning as much as I can from my mentor and others around me while also keeping up with my NVQ and level 3 qualifications in electrical, mechanical & manufacturing engineering.

The team that I work with is very friendly, lively and always willing to help if I'm unsure of how to do something. Even if they don't know the answer themselves they will find someone who does. The company itself is very supportive of my personal development and are keen to provide all the help it can towards achieving the best results both academically and practically be it monetary support or training. The culture in which I work is also incredibly positive and really did meet my expectations and more.

Managerial staff are also keen to promote me as an apprentice to aim for higher goals and set more challenging targets in my personal development. This can include working towards higher qualifications such as HND and degree level and also becoming electrically competent in the workplace. There is also a very good recognition system in place whereby any achievement of a Nestlé employee is published both internally within the factory and also Nationally within Nestlé's own publication which is distributed around all UK and Ireland factories.

There is a clear and concise structure in place for the progression of an apprentice’s development which includes training in all machinery, health and safety, electrical safe isolation, and problem solving methods but to name a few. Alongside this the qualification structure includes a NVQ in engineering operations and manufacturing practices and two level 3 qualifications in electrical and mechanical engineering with the option of progressing onto HNC if the level 3's are completed promptly.

There is much support provided from my training manager with a positive attitude towards success in my qualifications and practical development. Any tools, equipment or learning material is provided for me if it is required. The people I work with at the factory are also very knowledgeable and can assist on any problems I may encounter.

Any support that I need from my college work is provided as those that I work alongside with are very knowledgeable and understand the problems that I am struggling with. The HR team are constantly on hand to provide support where needed and any health issues that I may develop as a result of my work is dealt with in a suitable way by the on-site occupational health.

All travel expenses on company business and educational fees are paid for by the company. My salary meets my personal travel and social costs and more allowing me to save part of it towards a deposit for a house.

There are social, sports and recreational teams/societies openly available to join to anyone who is interested within the factory. There are also events that I have been involved in such as formal charity fundraisers, apprenticeship promotional workshops/events and trips to see our preferred suppliers businesses/workshops experiencing how their manufacturing processes differ to our own.

Yes

You meet great people; learn fascinating and rewarding skills with the opportunity to progress higher in your development while you earn a very rewarding salary and have a fantastic time. Nestlé has a positive atmosphere and the apprenticeship scheme is a unique and highly beneficial alternative to studying full time at university while still gaining the same education and practical skills.

Brush up on your knowledge of psychometric testing including mechanical aptitude and spatial awareness. Ask others to interview you so that you are prepared for the real thing. Be yourself and show a real passion and drive for engineering.